Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Pop. Pop. Bang. Bang. Bang. The sounds of the Civil War have returned, only this is April 12, 2011 at 6:45am – 150 years later!

Today, the sounds of war are everywhere, especially in Charleston, SC where I hear the thundering sounds of war. If these sounds are symbolic of the noise and warnings of war in America,  the rumbling thunderous sounds give me a new appreciation of freedom.

Today within the City of Charleston, Confederate forces are at Fort Sumter, SC, all dressed symbolic to the uniforms of the Confederacy. Crowds are lining up along the Battery and other areas, dressed in jeans, Tee shirts, and fashions of the times of 2011.   Union re-enactors are at Fort Sumter, the Confederate re-enactors protect the Harbor of Charleston.   

Today a cannon will fire every 15 minutes. Undoubtedly, I will not have difficulty getting my pups to come back inside when hearing the thundering rumbling sounds of the war.  

While hearing the ‘sounds of war reenacted’ I am reminded that  Americans are blessed due to the freedoms we have. The freedom to reenact a war, the freedom to speak our minds, and the freedom to protect those we love, all to the credit of war. Today, we are at war – in Afghanistan and Iraq, although some people will say we are no longer at war in Iraq. We still have troops over there, and we still hear about soldiers who lose their lives in Iraq, so — in my opinion — the war in Iraq still exist. Today, the residents and tourists of Charleston may observe the beginning sounds of the Civil War. Listening to the thunder of the cannons, I have a new appreciation about the Civil War.

Never was I a fan of the Civil War. I remember discussing the Civil War in school, and I definitely had my opinions about it, especially from the perspective of a young feminist. I believed it resembled opinions, beliefs, and bigotry I did not believe, as a thoroughly modern woman, so I will keep my opinions about the Civil War to myself. I appreciate the history and I am hopeful that as a Nation, America has risen to the occasions, recognizing that we are all equal, not divided.

Today, I will listen to the cannons exploding at Fort Sumter, thankful that I live in a City where history is preserved. I know a few of the Civil War re-enactors and I appreciate the battles they are preserving while perspiring in their heavy uniforms. I can’t help wondering how many of them have cell phones tucked within their pockets! Wouldn’t it be interesting to see one of them texting, or answering their phones. I doubt that will happen. Most of the Civil War re-enactors are serious about their work and it is a testament to them while they fight the battles.

I admire how the women of the Civil War wear their Confederate costumes, the heavy fabrics, crinolines, bonnets, and corsets. I am so thankful those fashions have changed — significantly! Today, I will listen to the Civil War as it returns, while enjoying the sunshine outside, dressed in comfortable shorts and thoroughly modern attire!  The South has risen again. Now, just where is a glass of wine!